Seven promising athletes from the QBE Sydney Swans Academy have been inducted into the Basil Sellers Scholarship Programme this evening, in an intimate dinner at Sydney Swans HQ.

Sellers, a long-time patron and generous donor to the Sydney Swans Foundation, along with CEO Tom Harley, was in attendance to award the recipients.

“The future of AFL in NSW is very important, and the scholarship programme is a way to assist young players to pursue their chosen sport,” Harley said.

“I wish all the scholars every success in their football careers.”

In its inaugural year, the scholarship aims to develop boys and girls in the Academy’s Top End program who have the potential to play AFL or AFLW at the highest level, with the support and facilities provided by the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

Funds received by the scholars will assist to pursue their chosen sport alongside education, training, employment, and personal development.

The Academy has been successful for more than 14 years in helping young players improve their AFL skills. Over 700 kids are currently enrolled across NSW.

The Sydney Swans Foundation plays a vital role in funding to provide the Academy with the best opportunity to produce a pipeline of talent.

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Basil Sellers Scholarship Recipients

Amelia Martin: Figtree Kangaroos Juniors / Southern Power Premier Women’s
The half forward played all Top End Academy Under 18 games. She capped off a successful season winning the premiership for her junior football club and proved to be a key player with Southern Power Women’s Premier team.

 

Joe Harrison: Warners Bay Bulldogs
Hailing from the Warners Bay Bulldogs the inside mid is well known for winning his own ball inside the contest. His efforts were rewarded in 2023 when he dominated in the Under 17 NSW futures game against Victoria.

 

 

Emma Juneja: East Sydney Bulldogs / University Technology Sydney Bats Premier Women’s
In addition to playing all Top End Swans Academy games in 2023, Juneja played through the Allies team as a 17-year-old, followed by selection in the AFLW curtain raiser Under 17 Futures game. She has also been invited to join the National AFLW Academy.

 

Noah Chamberlain: Miranda Bombers / St George Dragons
Chamberlain played as a key forward in all Under 16 QBE Sydney Swans Academy games this year including the National Championships in July. He was selected in the All-Australian team and was elevated into some Under 18 Academy games during 2023.

 

Alex Neyland: Singleton Roosters Juniors
Neyland first picked up a Sherrin in 2019. Her breakout game last season was representing NSW Under 15 All Schools team with an impressive debut against South Australia, earning the award for Players Player. She has enjoyed a strong outing as half back in the Under 16 Top End Academy, which included a breakout game against the Giants.

 

Lachlan Carmichael: Willoughby Mosman / North Shore Bombers
Carmichael has seen rapid improvement in 2023 with huge success at the local and premier level, as well as within the Academy. He played in all Under 16 Academy games this year including the National Championships in July.

 

Kiera Yerbury: St Ives Saints Juniors and Macquarie University / Parramatta Goannas Premier Women’s
Yerbury has quickly emerged as a standout player in the Top End Academy program. The midfielder has featured in coaches votes at the premier women’s level and was also awarded MVP for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy at the National Championships.